South Africa
Emfuleni Local Municipality regrets loss of lives following protest─── 15:23 Wed, 10 Apr 2019
The Emfuleni Local Municipality in the Sedibeng district has said it regrets the loss of lives in a Rustervaal protest this morning.
The municipality in a statement says unconfirmed reports say two people died in alleged clashes between the Red Ants and land invaders in the area.
The statement adds that the situation remains volatile, following attempts by the municipality to obtain a court order to remove the land invaders in the area.
In recent weeks residents invaded the land, and to curb the mushrooming in the area, the municipality obtained a court order to remove the land invaders.
The municipality says the land in question is dolomitic and not habitable. The R82 connecting Vereeniging and Johannesburg remains closed due to the public unrest.
There is a heavy presence of law enforcement in the area, and relevant authorities have started their investigation into this fatal incident.
The municipality sent its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, and will also be undertaking its own probe into the incidents.
OFM News/Paila Chauke
